She bit her lip as his intense scrutiny drew feelings out of her. Sensual feelings. Sentiments that shouldn’t be escaping now, when she was all alone with a man she barely knew, in the woods. She wasn’t that girl. She didn’t need anybody. Anybody would try to change her. She couldn’t afford to let that happen again.

Jed leant forward an inch and she felt the heat from him. Could she trust again? Should she just...

There was a crash, the door flew open and Makayla landed down on her knees on the floor in front of them.

There wasn’t time to think, let alone act. Makayla’s sobs filled the cabin and, as the dusk light filtered through the open door, a dark figure stepped inside. Paul.

Mongo started to growl.

‘Well lookie here.’ He strutted into the centre of the room, scuffing his boots on the floor, his eyes focussed on Cat.

‘He made me tell him where you were,’ Makayla cried. ‘I’m so glad you’re not alone, I...’

Jed stood up. ‘I don’t know who you are but you’re leaving.’ He pointed a threatening finger at Paul, then looked to the frightened woman. ‘Makayla, are you hurt?’

‘Sit down, jerk-off. This has nothing to do with you.’ He hissed the words at Jed, venom coating his tone.

‘Paul.’ The word had come out of her mouth of its own accord as she’d got to her feet. What was he doing here? What had he done to her friend?

‘Do you know this guy, Cat?’ Jed asked, looking to her.

She nodded, ashamed, humiliated, wanting to rewind the hours that had passed and make a different choice as to where to spend Valentine’s.